20. because Herod was in awe of John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed, yet would hear him gladly.
21. Now an opportune time came on his birthday, when Herod gave a banquet for his nobles, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee.
22. When Herodias’s own daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll give it to you.”
23. So he swore oaths to her: “Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
24. Then she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for? ”“John the Baptist’s head! ” she said.
25. Immediately she hurried to the king and said, “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter — right now! ”
26. Though the king was deeply distressed, because of his oaths and the guests he did not want to refuse her.
27. The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison,
28. brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother.
29. When his disciples heard about it, they came and removed his corpse and placed it in a tomb.